Known Powers:

Black Diamond possesses super human strength and the power of flight. She is highly resistive to being injured and has a 'sixth sense' that alerts her to potential danger. Additionally, she can change her clothing by act of will and can survive in environments hostile to normal humans. Black Diamond is considered to be an Advanced Generation Mutant, a strain of mutants that scientists believe to be what the human race will eventually become. Diamond's skeletal structure is closer to metal in toughness than bone. Because of this, certain pitches of sound will resonant in her body, causing great pain.

Notes:

Black Diamond has been an active heroine for over ten years. Her first noteworthy mission was in aiding the Freedom Squad, the Minutemen, and the Thing and Crusader in thwarting Dr. Destroyer's first major bid for world domination. Black Diamond worked with Hunter off and on during the late seventies when he needed more muscle. On one such instance, she assisted Hunter in breaking up a PSI training school in the summer of 1978. During the battle, she met and befriended Christina Blackledge, who had been held by PSI against her will. Christina later became the heroine Nightingale.

Black Diamond was one of the Hunter's first choices when he formed the Avengers. Her friend Nightingale was another. Together with the Golden Avenger, Captain Valor, Density, and Warlock they became the original Avengers. The team was later officially sponsored by the government and was monitored by the National Security Council. A second team, the Guardians was given official sponsorship and Black Diamond was sent to lead this group. The NSC eventually revoked the Guardians status and considered it a failed experiment. The mixing of members caused too much internal friction. Black Diamond returned to serve as an Avenger. Upon the death of Hunter and several other Avengers, she was promoted to Team Leader Status.

Black Diamond was recently assaulted by a woman calling herself Artemis, and nearly perished from the conflict. A powerful toxin was introduced into her system, greatly weakening her but the poison had no long term effects. Later, Diamond was targeted by Dr. Destroyer as part of the Great Supervillain Contest. Linda is currently dating Supreme, one of the other Avengers.

While generally unknown to the public, the television character Guardian Angel is based on Black Diamond herself. The show was conceived while the heroine was a member of the Guardians during her stay in Los Angeles. It was decided to alter the show in order to avoid any mutant overtones and a new background was chosen in an effort to make Angel different from Diamond. Black Diamond receives a generous income from the show's profits. Now that the actress who portrayed Guardian Angel has recently become that heroine, Di doesn't really know what to think of this situation.

While a great success as a superheroine, Black Diamond's private life has been nothing but one disappointment after another. Her father strongly disapproved of her identity as Black Diamond and they haven't spoken in years. Her relationship with Lightburst was nothing short of disastrous. However her current boyfriend, Supreme, has been much more pleasant to deal with so far.

Black Diamond was created by Spectrum. The picture is by Muskateer with coloring by Spectrum.

Appearances:

Avengers # 1-8, 11-20, 22 - 33, 35 - Present
Huntress # 1, 6, 7, 9-11, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25 - Present
Muskateer # 1, 3-5, 8-11, 14, 16, 18, 19
X-Factor # 2, 4, 5, 9
Young Champions # 15

Lost Heroes Notes:

By the time of Lost Heroes, Black Diamond has left the Avengers and formed her own team in Los Angeles called the Defenders. Other members of the Defenders included Firestar, Eclypse, Tremor, Nightingale, Satara, Quantum, Icicle, and Polaris. At some point, the Defenders are recruited by Tesseract to stop a plot by Timemaster to alter the future by changing the past. To help the heroine understand the gravity of the situation, Tesseract sends her to the possible future of Lost Heroes where she talks briefly with Muskateer. At some point Di married Eclypse.

Black Diamond herself was murdered during the war against Destroyer by Resonator, a former hero and member of the Freedom League. His sonic battlesuit upgraded further by Destroyer proves fatal against the heroine. Her death was recently avenged by Muskateer.

Lost Heroes Appearances:

Lost Heroes # 2, 3

Terra Nova Notes:

On the magically dominated alternate Earth of Terra Nova exists the warrior-woman Lyndah who is that world's version of Linda Taylor. While Lyndah is superhumanly strong thanks to a magic belt she possess, she is nowhere near the level possessed by Black Diamond. Lyndah does not possess Diamonds ability to fly or her sixth sense either. On Terra Nova, Linda is a member of that world's Avengers. She is second in command to the Hunter of Evil.

Unlike Black Diamond, Lyndah does not have a shyer, vulnerable side. She lives life to the fullest knowing full well that she may perish in any battle. Lyndah is not shy about what she wants and has had several lovers in the past. The marooned Earthman Captain Valor is the latest. Lyndah admires his brashness and bravado. Lyndah is unaware that the quiet archer Robert has strong feelings for her.

Terra Nova Appearances:

Troubleshooters # 16-18, 26-30